cozy bookstores in Portsmouth, New Hampshire Very rarely does a book (quite literally) fall into my hands, but in Portsmouth, one did. As I rummaged through a maze of dark shelves, a slim paperback slipped off a stand and slapped the floor. I looked down. Along its flap was a small illustration – a black cat, its green eyes slanted upwards. Lettered below was the name of an author whose works I loved. In my heart, I knew this was it; this was the paperback for my personal library. That’s the thing about Portsmouth. When a book calls out to you, you’ll sense it immediately. You’ll pull it off ..read more

best things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana On Monday, Indianapolis is quiet. The sun is warm; the air is cold. Shadows of shutterless homes loom past trees. Under the covers of porticos are soft lights and empty egg chairs. For some reason, I expected Indianapolis to be busier (I blame the Indy 500 for this). This lack of cars zooming, cycles hurtling, and people dashing is unexpected – when really, it shouldn’t be. Although Indianapolis is home to the Racing Capital Of The World, there are a dozen other reasons to visit: award-winning restaurants, cozy cafes, exhibit reimaginings, giant mura ..read more

there’s a taylor swift themed bar in San Francisco Editor’s Note: I recently sent our Bay Area writer, Tina Casalino, to a Taylor Swift themed pop-up bar. This bar is in no way affiliated with Swift (she will not be there as Bucket Listers, the group behind the event, adamantly wants you to know). But here’s the deal: Swifties will love it. Atmosphere Check Who else could inspire a pop-up bar in the middle of the Marina District in San Francisco more than Taylor Swift, and who else could truly appreciate a Taylor Swift-themed pop-up bar more than a Swiftie (is this a rhetorical question)? Ent ..read more

twelve best restaurants in Indianapolis, Indiana The best restaurants in Indianapolis dodge categorization. After all, Indianapolis restaurant-goers don’t care whether food is homestyle or haute, as long as it tastes good. Flavor is what matters here. So when I think of Indianapolis’ restaurant scene, I think of a place that is impressively consistent, a place that has pulled from many cultures and added its own Midwestern spin, a place that cares about quality over quantity. These attitudes have allowed Indianapolis restaurants to soar and reach for the stars. Milktooth landed on Conde Nast ..read more

best bookstores in Indianapolis, Indiana As you walk through Mass Avenue (near the Bottleworks District), you’ll see the outline of an open book – orange bound, white pages curled open – painted atop a brick facade. The mural is perched above the trees, its lettering large and visible. Indy Reads Books. Do Good. Read More. Indianapolis does read books, lots of them. This is a city of readers. You can tell by the casualness of its bookstores. Bookstores in Indianapolis lack the sting of haughtiness; you’ll find books stashed near bar counters and event spaces and cafes. Middle grade books. YA ..read more

Eden Book Club: The Last Nomad Discussion Shugri Said Salh’s The Last Nomad is intense and piercing. It’s the kind of book that leaves you reeling, wondering, yearning to know more. Salh takes the ambiguous yet powerful phrase “the last nomad” and fleshes it out, slowly expounding on her journey, her culture, her ancestry, her values, her family, her past. She digs into the complexities of her childhood and doesn’t shy away from the hardships. There were moments where I felt my throat dry, my hands clench, my eyes widen. The Last Nomad doesn’t demand a reaction, but so many moments and storie ..read more

San Pedro Square San Jose travel guide It’s hard to miss San Pedro Square, partially because of the large arch with its name enticing visitors to come and visit. San Pedro Square and San Pedro Square Market (two separate spaces) are likely some of the biggest attractions in San Jose rain or shine. I’m glad to say that post revitalization of San Pedro Square (with the addition of the market in October 2011), downtown San Jose is back in business. After coming here several times specifically to write this San Pedro Square travel guide, I can’t believe I haven’t been a more frequent visitor! Her ..read more

best coffee shops in Birmingham, Alabama A spell of coffee has landed in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham coffee purveyors (most of whom are new to the craft coffee scene) brew; fresh enthusiasm for coffee brims. Cafes charm quiet spaces in downtown, Five Points South, and Woodlawn. Birmingham has entered its third wave coffee era. So whether you want a punchy morning espresso (to fuel your work day) or a seasonal latte (the kind that condenses the atmosphere down to a sip), you’ll find it here. There’s now something in Birmingham for every kind of coffee lover. Here are our (tried-and-tested ..read more

best restaurants in Birmingham Alabama Birmingham has always been a food city. It’s a city of food that’s deeply satisfying. It’s a city of food that’s heartwarming. It’s a city of unlimited flavors. You’ll find a gamut of countries represented by Birmingham’s best restaurants: Ethiopia, Thailand, Cuba, Italy. When Birmingham locals travel, they bring what they’ve tried, tasted, and fallen in love with back home. So when in Birmingham, you eat. No ifs, buts, or excuses. There are too many good places to pass up on. From James Beard award winners to smaller, everyday family spots, here are Pas ..read more

staying at The Candler Hotel Atlanta review I have to tell you about the vault. It’s there. It’s real. It’s not a rumor. This is where the Coca-Cola formula was locked up for over two decades. This right here, this room where thin metal bars grasp the ceiling. This underground space, floors and floors below where I’m staying. This place, near the kitchen, where the sounds of pots and pans aren’t dampened and suppressed, where the full force of By George’s staff can be heard, is where I’m standing.  Every year, millions of travelers make their way to The World Of Coca-Cola to get a close ..read more